Parts for your 2000 Toyota Crown-Camshaft sensor

2000 Toyota Crown camshaft sensor: what it does and when to sort it

Yes, the 2000 Toyota Crown is fitted with a camshaft position sensor across its petrol engine options. Toyota’s technical documentation for the S170 series (including 1G‑FE, 1JZ‑FSE and 2JZ‑FSE engines) and the Electrical Wiring Diagram identify the “Camshaft Position Sensor (G)” working alongside the “Crankshaft Position Sensor (NE).” Toyota’s parts catalogue for S170 models also lists a dedicated “Sensor, Cam Position,” confirming its use from factory.

The camshaft sensor tells the engine control module exactly which cylinder is on its compression stroke. That lets the Crown run proper sequential fuel injection, sharpen ignition timing, and control VVT‑i cam phasing. When it’s healthy, cold starts are quick, idle is smooth as, and fuel economy stays tidy. When it’s crook or the wiring’s unhappy, expect longer cranking, a rough idle, flat spots, and the check engine lamp with codes like P0340, P0341 or sometimes a cam/crank correlation code (P0016).

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but it does live a hard life with heat, vibration and oil vapour. As part of routine servicing on a 2000 Crown, it’s smart to:

• Visually check the sensor connector and loom near the timing cover for brittle insulation, green corrosion, or oil wicking.
• Look for an O‑ring that’s gone hard or weeping and replace if there’s any hint of seepage.
• Scan for stored fault codes and review cam/crank sync and VVT‑i data if idle quality isn’t flash.

Replacement is straightforward DIY for a confident home mechanic: disconnect the battery, remove the engine cover, unplug the sensor, take out the single retaining bolt, twist and pull the sensor free, then fit the new unit with a light smear of clean engine oil on the O‑ring. Seat it square, nip the bolt to spec (snug, not gorilla‑tight), reconnect, clear codes and verify live data. Always use a quality OEM or reputable aftermarket sensor, ultra‑cheap units can cause intermittent gremlins that’ll do your head in.

If faults persist after fitting a new sensor, don’t forget the basics: check power, ground and signal integrity with a scope where possible, confirm the timing belt condition and alignment, and make sure there’s no water ingress under the bonnet from over‑enthusiastic cleaning. Sorted properly, the Crown’s cam signal will be rock‑solid for heaps of kilometres.

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2000 Toyota Crown?

On the inline‑six Crowns, it’s typically at the front of the cylinder head near the timing belt area, mounted to read a trigger on the cam. You’ll usually find it on the outer side of the head, under or beside the upper timing cover. Access is generally easy once the engine cover is off.

What fault codes point to a bad camshaft sensor?

Common ones are P0340 (camshaft position circuit) and P0341 (range/performance). You might also see P0016 (cam/crank correlation) if the cam signal is dropping out or timing is off. Always confirm with live data and basic wiring checks to avoid parts darts.

Will a Crown run with a failed camshaft sensor?

Often it’ll still start and run using the crank signal, but it may crank longer, switch to batch injection, feel sluggish and chew more fuel. It’s drivable in a pinch, though getting the cam signal right should be a priority to protect performance and economy.